Black Bean Taco Bake

This recipe was given to me by a coworker a couple of years ago and has become a family favorite. I have made some changes to the original recipe... The original recipe is made with meat, but was a piece of cake to make into a meatless main dish. I hope you and your family enjoy this as much as our family does.

Black Bean Taco Bake:

1 can (15 oz) black beans, undrained

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, undrained - or kidney beans

1 package (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning

1/2 cup chunky salsa

1 cup Monterrey Jack or Cheddar Cheese (I've used mozzarella too)

1 cup broken up tortilla chips

diced onion, tomato, avocado

sour cream (optional)

jalapeno peppers (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a skillet, combine beans, taco seasoning, and salsa and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a 9"x13" baking dish, sprinkle on cheese and tortilla chips and place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes, remove from the oven.

Once out of the oven, top with diced onion, tomato and avocado on top.

You may also add sour cream, jalapeno peppers and a touch of additional salsa as you like.

Makes about 4 - 6 servings.

Add a simple lettuce salad on the side, and you're set to go.

Enjoy!